In the bustling city of Columbia, South Carolina, sits a Howland graduate making all types of impacts in her community and as a journalist. This individual’s name is Andrea Mock, who shines as a beloved news anchor at WLTX-TV, CBS and is a four-time Emmy Award winner as well as the Post and Courrier’s Best Anchor of the Year. Andrea is a dedicated community leader and a beacon of hope for many.
Andrea Mock will be getting inducted in the Class of 2023 Howland Achievement Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements and community involvement.
“It’s humbling for sure, I’m not sure I deserve it. You know my dad was the Athletic Director for decades, my mom still teaches at Howland, so I have nothing but wonderful memories and things to say about the school system,” Andrea added.
Her journey to success began at an earlier age in the Howland School District, where she honed her skills and developed her passion for storytelling. Her remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she recently discussed her experience at Howland Schools on the Spanning the Need’s podcast, click here.
She went onto say, “Howland got me started on my career in Journalism, and I hope in some way those teachers who really had an impact on me like, Marilyn Parise, Rae Anne Cleal, Mrs. Lowe, Mrs. Houk, Mr. Tominey, Mrs. Kieffer, Jim Timlin and Mr. Reese, I make them proud.”
POTW, Education Edition: Gary Lendak, Howland Local Schools(Opens in a new browser tab)
Her alma mater will be recognizing her as an outstanding alumna who continues to make a positive impact in her community and profession during the pregame of the Howland Tigers home football game this Friday, with the induction ceremony on Saturday.
Andrea has a very diverse background in leadership throughout her life from an earlier age till now. She has become a community volunteer for a variety of initiatives in Columbia. Andrea helped start a local charity called Heroes in Blue, now Serve and Connect, which helps to build better relationships with law enforcement and the communities they serve. With a program called “Greg’s Groceries” they fill police cars across the state with boxes of food, enough to feed a family for a week, so that officers can pass them out to those in need.
Her heartwarming involvement with health-related organizations is equally impressive. She has been a staunch advocate over the years for the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Sustainable Midlands, and the Alzheimer’s Association. She has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of those affected by cancer, premature birth, environmental issues, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Everyday I’m thankful for my son and to God for making me a mom to Brady, and at the same time, I am in my 40’s and my own mom is still my best friend, so to me that’s the greatest love,” she mentioned. Those two are pure joy to me and fill my heart with love every day.
Andrea has had such a passion and success, which has led her to earn not one, not two, but four Regional Emmy Awards, and named South Carolina Broadcaster’s Association, News Personality of the Year and the Post and Courrier’s Best News Anchor Award. Her dedication to telling stories that matter has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and the community she serves.
Andrea Mock is not just a news anchor; she is a beacon of light in Columbia, South Carolina, who radiates positivity, compassion, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Andrea sets an example for all of us to follow. She reminds us that we can all make a difference in our communities and that the power of kindness and compassion knows no bounds.
She understands the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and cherishes the moments spent with her loved ones and always puts being a mom to Brady first. Her ability to juggle her career, community service, and family life is truly commendable.
Andrea ended with this on her journey in life, “One of my heroes has always been the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she always said, “Speak loudly, even if your voice shakes!” I love this, even the smallest like Ruth and me both standing at 5’1” can have the loudest or most respected voice in the room.”
She continued to say, ‘Never let anyone intimidate you, especially when you are doing what’s right or something you believe in. Journalism is all about being an advocate, standing up for the underdog, and giving a voice to those who have none. I’ve interviewed Presidents/Senators, criminals, and crooks, but I always walk in wanting to be fair, and hear their story. And will continue to speak and report the truth, even if my voice shakes!”
Watch her interview on an upcoming Spanning the Need podcast.
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